medical and financial assistant programs - periodic … and financial... · medical and financial...
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Medical and Financial Assistant Programs
In our search for financial assistance for traveling to see a specialist for Periodic Paralysis
(PP): Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) in another state and for being part of study for
ATS, we came across an organization, National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD),
that sent me a list of medical and financial assistance programs.
We are posting this list for those who need to travel great distances to see specialists or
attend MDA Clinics and/or for those of you do not have insurance or are underinsured
and/or for those who cannot pay for their medications or may need a wheelchair, etc. The
list below assists with:
• Locating health insurance in all 50 states
• Subsidizing the cost of health insurance premiums
• Providing pharmacy and treatment co-payment assistance
• Assisting with Medicare Part D Co-insurance
• Helping with advocacy for Social Security Disability
• Housing while traveling for medical reasons
• Assistance with basic living needs during a medical crisis
• Assistance with out-of-pocket care costs
• Assistance for parents caring for their special-needs children
• Assistance for medical devices such as wheelchairs and scooters
• Assistance with respiratory services
• And much more
Financial Assistance Programs
Below are some links regarding medical/financial assistance programs. I hope you
find them helpful.
(Please don't forget to first try contacting your local social services department
and/or charitable organizations in your area.)
Medication Assistance Programs from NORD:
Website: http://www.rarediseases.org/patients-and-families/patient-assistance
203-744-0100 x224
Other Financial Assistance Programs:
Patient Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 5930, Midlothian, VA 23112, 1-800-366-7741, Email:
[email protected], Website:
https://www.patientservicesinc.org/
Patient Services, Inc. (PSI) is the "ground breaking" 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable
organization of its kind. Two decades ago, we recognized the importance of providing a
"safety net" for patients with chronic illnesses who were struggling to keep up with
expensive premiums and co-payments. Since 1989 we have led the charge to provide
much needed patient assistance, soliciting donations to fund thousands of patients and
their families in a myriad of disease areas. Today we're flattered by our emulators (other
similar foundations) who demonstrate just how critical the need continues to be.
Patient Services continues to provide peace of mind to patients living with specific
chronic illnesses by:
• Locating health insurance in all 50 states
• Subsidizing the cost of health insurance premiums
• Providing pharmacy and treatment co-payment assistance
• Assisting with Medicare Part D Co-insurance
• Helping with advocacy for Social Security Disability
Needy Meds
Website: http://www.needymeds.com/ Phone #: 215-625-9609
The mission of NeedyMeds is to make information about assistance programs available
to low-income patients and their advocates at no cost. The NeedyMeds website is the face
of the organization. Databases such as Patient Assistance Programs, Disease-Based
Assistance, Free and Low- Clinics, government programs and other types of assistance
programs are the crux of the free information offered online. NeedyMeds is funded by
small grants, donations, sponsorships, subscriptions to PAPTracker, and syndication of
various database information. NeedyMeds also works with the patient assistance
programs of several pharmaceutical distributors.
Patient Access Network Foundation Website: https://www.panfoundation.org 866-316-7263
The Patient Access Network Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c) (3)
organization dedicated to providing underinsured patients with co-payment
assistance through 31 disease-specific funds that give them access to the treatments
they need.
Human Connexus Foundation (HCF)
1177 Branham Lane, #325, San Jose, CA 95118, Website: http://www.humanconnexus.org/?page_id=2
Email: [email protected]
Human Connexus Foundation supports individuals or families by providing
financial assistance to help those in need with basic living needs (i.e. rent, car
payment, utilities, phone, etc). The hope is that within a short period of time, the
recipient and/or family will be back to living a “normal life”. Caring Voice Coalition 8249 Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, Tel: (804) 427-6468, Toll-
free: (888) 267-1440, http://www.caringvoice.org
RX Assist Patient Assistance Program Center
http://www.rxassist.org/default.cfm
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Prescription_Drug_Patient
_Assistance_Programs.htm
(Mental Health Medications)
http://www.edhayes.com/indigent.html
http://www.medicationfoundation.com/
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/hospital/meds.htm
Also, try contacting the manufacturer of the drug for possible program
opportunities/financial assistance with the medication you are taking. Furthermore, for clinical trials and investigative therapies, which are free, go to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov 1-800-411-1222 _______________________________________________________________________________________
The HealthWell Foundation P.O. Box 4133, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, (800) 675-8416, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday Eastern Time, For shorter hold times, please call
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday mornings
Fax: (800) 282-7692, http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
The HealthWell Foundation®
is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in
2003 to address the needs of individuals who cannot afford their insurance
copayments, premiums, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket health care costs. The
HealthWell Foundation®
assists with numerous disease states and medications:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.O.R.G.A.N Project:
3830 S. Highway A1A, Suite C4, #153, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 Telephone:
(321) 506-2707 E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.themorganproject.org, http://themorganproject.org/2011-
New%20Resources-updated14Feb11.pdf
The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project is a voluntary, non-profit organization whose mission is
to work together to promote awareness and support of parents caring for their
special-needs children, and to enhance the quality of life for these special families.
The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project offers grants for the purchase of needed equipment for
medically fragile children.
Link to Financial Assistance Information from Genetic and Rare Diseases
Information Center:
http://www.genome.gov/11008842#insurance
• Phone: (888) 205-2311
• International Phone: 1 (301) 251-4925
• TTY: (888) 205-3223
Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has information on
assistance in paying for medical care for low-income families. Go to "Families &
Children."
Contact DHHS directly:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-619-0257
Toll-free: 1-877-696-6775
Link to Financial Assistance for Families - National Relief Hotlines:
http://www.careconnectusa.org/our_products.asp
CareConnect USA 2019 Sandy Pond Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173, Tel: (800) 291-1068, Email:
We've assembled a free list of family relief hotlines for financial assistance in
critical categories. Designed by counselors for counselors, they fit neatly into
dayplanners of two popular sizes.
Patient Assistance Programs
AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902, (800) 486-HELP, (800) 486-4357, http://www.americares.org/wherewework/united-states/pap/
AmeriCares Patient Assistance Programs serve uninsured and underinsured
individuals by providing medications to unqualified, low-income individuals and
families at no cost, through generous donations from AmeriCares pharmaceutical
partners.
Medical Supplies
Wheelchairs
Free Wheelchair Mission
Toll-Free: 800-733-0858, Phone: 949-273-8470, Fax: 949-273-8471
http://www.freewheelchairmission.org/site/c.fgLFIXOJKtF/b.4916275/k.BE91/Home.htm
Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit
organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the
world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and
government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of
disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity,
independence, and hope.
Wheelchair Foundation
3820 Blackhawk Road Danville, California 94506, USA Call Us Toll-Free: (877) 378-
3839, North America: (925) 736-8234, FAX: (925) 648-0163,
http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/
The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to
create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to
promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every
child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. For these
people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Independence.
Soles for Soles Outreach
http://barefootrunner.org/fwcm/fwcm.htm
Transforming lives through the gift of mobility
Hoverround
http://www.hoveround.com/landing/free-info-kit-1/?gclid=CMGrveKat5sCFRBM5QodLmy0BQ
Call us toll free at 1-800-542-7236
Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.
(866) 344-2774
A personal Care Specialist is assigned to each new patient and submits all the required
paperwork to help get your CPAP or BiPAP machine, mask, and supplies promptly. Our
Care Specialist will give you ongoing support and unsurpassed service.
Under the direction of an On-Staff Respiratory Therapist our Care Specialists are trained
to troubleshoot any problems that patients may have with CPAP machines or masks to
help you Sleep Better Now...
A personal Care Specialist is assigned to each new patient and submits all the required
paperwork to help get your CPAP or BiPAP machine, mask, and supplies promptly. Our
Care Specialist will give you ongoing support and unsurpassed service.
Under the direction of an On-Staff Respiratory Therapist our Care Specialists
are trained to troubleshoot any problems that patients may have with CPAP
machines or masks to help you Sleep Better Now...
http://www.insurance4cpap.com/?gclid=CKDH55ies6oCFeJ65QodSzn08g
Link to Disability Programs:
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm
More on Social Security Disability Benefits:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/social-security-disability
Transverse Myelitis Association www.myelitis.org.)
Phone: +1 (614) 766-1806 (Eastern Time)
Email [email protected]
Extra Help Program with Prescription Drug Costs for Medicare Recipients:
http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/
1-800-772-1213
Financial resource directory (from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Association
website: http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/index.html
In Pain and Agonizing About the Bills
This resource directory for People with RSD/CRPS covers government assistance
programs; free medicines (for those who can't afford them); clinical trials, food
stamps, and other ideas for those who suffer financially from the effects of
RSD/CRPS.
Navigating Medicare and Medicaid: A Resource Guide for People with
Disabilities, Their Families, and Their Advocates
The Basics of Health Insurance and Appeals:
http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/pdf/Basics_of_Insurance_Appeals.pdf
Catholic Charities/Health Care
Sixty-Six Canal Center Plaza, Suite 600, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, Phone: (703)
549-1390
Fax: (703) 549-1656, http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/Page.aspx?pid=1300
Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies
5750 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, Phone: 800-634-7346, Fax: 410-664-
0551, Email: [email protected], http://www.ajfca.org/
United Way:
Call 2-1-1
Go to www.211.org and type in your zip code
http://www.unitedway.org/ourwork/ci.cfm
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children:
2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219, (214) 559-5000, (800) 421-1121
http://www.tsrhc.org/default.asp?contentID=52
___________________________________________________________________
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (901) 595-3300
http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM10
00001e0215acRCRD
All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the
family's ability to pay.
Shriners Hospitals for Children
2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Fl 33607, Telephone: 813-281-0300
Patient Referal/Eligibilty Information E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: 800-237-5055 (in the U.S.)
Telephone: 800-361-7256 (in Canada), http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/
Admission is based solely on a child’s medical needs, regardless of financial need.
For patients at Shriners Hospitals, ability to pay or insurance coverage is never an
issue. There is no charge for any care or services provided within Shriners
Hospitals for Children facilities.
Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C
of IDEA):
http://www.nectac.org/partc/partc.asp
Children's Organization For Rare Diseases (Cord)
Coping with the financial issues of rare diseases:
http://www.crdnetwork.org/blog/tag/cord/
Variety – The Children's Charity of the United States
4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Telephone: (323)
954-0820, Fax: (323) 954-8630, E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.usvariety.org
Is a not-for-profit, philanthropic organization with locations throughout the United
States. Variety Kids on the Go! aims to help kids with disabilities gain mobility,
confidence, freedom, independence and the chance to join in the life of their
community by providing funding for walkers, wheelchairs, specially-designed
adaptive bikes, strollers, prosthetic limbs and other devices to families with the
most need.
The MDS Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation 4573 South Broad St. Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620, Phone within the US: 1-800-
MDS-0839,
Link to More Information re: Financial Assistance: http://www.mds-foundation.org/pdf/2011-InsReimbBooklet4thEdition4-7-11.pdf
HRSA Information Center PO Box 2910, Merrifield, VA 22116, Telephone:
(703) 442-9051, Fax: (703) 821-2098, Toll-free: (888) 275-4772, TTY: (877) 489-
4772, E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/
The HRSA Information Center distributes informational materials developed by the
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or its grantees. HRSA is an
agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The
National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse distribute informational
materials developed by the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) or
its grantees. MCHB is an agency within the Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The Clearinghouse also provides referrals to other organizations that offer
information and support to affected mothers and children. The Clearinghouse
provides publications, resources, and referrals on health care services for low-
income, uninsured individuals and those with special health care needs. Most of
the educational materials distributed by the Clearinghouse are written for
professionals; however, it also distributes materials written for the public. The
Clearinghouse responds to requests for information from health care professionals,
program planners, educators, researchers, policy makers, and the general public.
Most of the educational materials distributed by the Clearinghouse are written for
professionals; however, it also distributes materials written for the public.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Waivers are state-run programs that use federal and state funds to pay for health
care for individuals with certain health conditions. Each state has different Waivers
with different eligibility requirements or services. Two Medicaid statutes are
currently waived: 1915 and 1115.
To find out your state's Waiver programs go to:
https://www.cms.gov/ContactCMS/
• Medicare Service Center: 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
• Medicare Service Center TTY: 877-486-2048
Medicaid State Waiver Program Demonstration Projects - General Information
https://www.cms.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/08_WavMap.asp
___________________________________________________________________
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/bdds/kbp/
Main Phone: (608) 261-6836
Fax: (608) 261-6752
Mailing Address: 1 W. Wilson St., Rm. 418; PO Box 7851; Madison, WI 53707-7851
KATIE BECKETT WAIVER PROGRAM:
Medicaid Waivers are state-run programs that use federal and state funds to pay
for health care for people with certain health conditions.
This waiver is so named for Katie Beckett, a child (now an adult) who required the
use of a ventilator. Her family’s income made her ineligible for Medicaid coverage.
Because of the extreme financial burden this placed on her family, they could not
afford to sustain the level of care for their child to remain at home.
The Katie Beckett Waiver supports the family’s privilege and choice to care for
children at home with the necessary support. It is a more beneficial and cost-
effective choice for states, in comparison to the exorbitant costs of hospital or
nursing home care.
There are specific eligibility requirements:
1) The child must be under 19 years of age and disabled by standards set
forth in the Social Security Act.
2) The child must require a level of care at home that is typically provided
in a hospital or nursing facility.
3) The care can be provided safely and appropriately in the family home.
The parents’ income is not a consideration in determining a child’s eligibility for
this benefit.
There are other Medicaid Waiver programs that may of assistance. To obtain
information and to find out your state’s waiver programs, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidStWaivProgDemoPGI/MWDL/list.asp
If your insurance company has denied your claim for treatment, the following
sample letter can be used, edited to your specific condition/treatment/procedure,
and sent to your state insurance commissioner.
*Send this letter certified mail.
You can find your State Commissioner Insurance Commission’s address by going
to http://www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm.
Sample Complaint Letter to State Insurance Commission:
Name of State Insurance Commission
Name of Your Insurance Company
Address of Insurance Company and Telephone Number
Dear Insurance Commissioner:
I have filed the attached insurance claim with _______________(insert name of
your insurance company) on___________(insert date[s]).
My physician has deemed this therapy/procedure/drug/etc. medically necessary for
my medical condition. However, my insurance company has denied me access to
the standard of care. I have had the following specific problems with this insurance
company:
(List all of your problems, such as refusal to cover physician-prescribed therapy,
claim has not been paid or has been denied, etc.)
Please accept this letter as a formal written complaint
against_______________(insert name of your insurance company).
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address and telephone Number
CC: Medical Director, _________________(insert name of your insurance
company).
CC: Your physician
____________________________________________
Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals www.claims.org
(888) 394-5163
The Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals is a national, not-for-profit organization
that is a national resource for patients and caregivers seeking help with health insurance
claims. Claims Assistance Professionals serve as a patient's advocate and provide an array
of services that patients can use to deal with health insurance firms. These services include:
• Challenge denials of claims by the insurance company
• Organize health insurance paperwork
• Audit hospital and provider charges
• Negotiate with providers on patient balances
• Review medical bills and determine proper payment
• File various types of insurance claims (medical, long term care, FSA, HSA)
• Track claims to ensure they are accurately processed
• Contact providers and insurance companies to resolve claim problems
• Assist in selecting Medicare Part D drug plans and Medicare supplement plans
• Assist with choices during employer open enrollment
• Provide education on benefits and options
• Negotiate providers' fees for uninsured patients or procedures
___________________________________________________________________
______________
Financial Aid Resources
Financial Aid Information Page
www.finaid.org
Provides and overview of financial aid options, bibliography of more than 400
books, and calculators allowing students to perform cost calculations. Also has a
Q&A function where students can email questions to be answered by financial aid
administrative volunteers. Federal Student Aid Information 1�800�433�3243
Provides information on federal student financial aid. Has trained counselors
available to answer student's questions. Scholarship Research Network www.srnexpress.com
1�301�670�1260
Student can search this free site for more than 8,000 scholarships. This site focuses
on private scholarships that can be used at many different institutions.
FastWEB
www.fastweb.com
1�800�FASTWEB
Site has access to 275,000 scholarships. Updates on scholarship matches are sent
via e-mail. This service is free.
The College Board
www.collegeboard.org
A not-for-profit organization that helps students with the transition between high
school and college. Website has a free on-line scholarship search database. HEATH
www.acenet.edu
1�800�544�3284
National clearinghouse that provides information for people with disabilities who
are seeking education after high school. A small number of scholarships for those
with learning disabilities are available on this site. President's Committee of Employment of People with Disabilities
1�202�376�6200
This committee provides five to six scholarships from various businesses for people
with verifiable disabilities every year.
Foundation Center
1�800�424�9836
This toll-free service line directs you to libraries that carry the Foundation Grants
for Individuals listings.
Department of Education
www.ed.gov
Department of Education's website contains the Student Guide to Financial Aid.
The application for federal student aid, the required form for anyone applying for
college financial assistance, is also accessible from this site.
___________________________________________________________________
______________
Hole in the Wall Camps
228 Saugatuck Avenue, Westport, Connecticut 06880, Tel: (203) 562-1203, Fax:
(203) 341-8707
E-mail: [email protected], www.holeinthewallcamps.org
Is the world's largest global family of camps for children with serious illnesses and
life-threatening conditions. Children who are living with cancer, sickle cell anemia,
HIV/AIDS, and many other medical conditions come to camp and experience the
simple joys of childhood, without compromising any of their needs thanks to our
high-quality medical care. To date, more than 119,000 children with serious
illnesses from 40 countries including the United States have attended a Hole in the
Wall Camp free of charge.
___________________________________________________________________
______________
Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure
http://www.kidneyurology.org/Library/Kidney_Health/Financial_Help_for_Tr
eatment_of_Kidney_Failure.php
Kidney & Urology Foundation of America, Inc.
2 West 47th Street, Suite 401, New York NY 10036, 212.629.9770 or
1.800.633.6628, Fax 212.629.5652
If you have permanent kidney failure, you may be worried about paying for the
expensive treatments you need. In 1972, Congress passed legislation making
people of any age with permanent kidney failure eligible for Medicare, a program
that helps people over 65 and people with disabilities pay for medical care, usually
up to 80 percent. Other public and private resources can help with the remaining
20 percent. Your dialysis or transplant center has a social worker who can help you
locate and apply for financial assistance.
___________________________________________________________________
______________
Federal Site for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program HHS, Administration For Children and Families
Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance (DEA)
Aerospace Building, 5th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C.
20447 Phone Number: (202) 401-9351, Fax Number: (202) 401-5661
The mission of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist
low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high
proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate
home energy needs.
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped 1800 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202, Telephone: (303) 534-5360, Fax:
(303) 534-5290, E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.nfdh.org
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH) is a national
charitable organization solely dedicated to meeting the needs of citizens with
physical, medical, and mental disabilities by providing dental care to disabled and
aged people who cannot afford treatment and are not eligible for public aid. Our
country's standard of dental care is one of the highest in the world, yet those
Americans most desperately in need often go untreated. They may be children or
adults who are mentally or physically disabled. They suffer from cerebral palsy,
multiple sclerosis, mental illness, and many other disabilities. The foundation was
established in 1974 and is an affiliate of the American Dental Association and state
and local dental associations. Disabled, elderly, and mentally compromised
patients are linked with dentists in their communities to receive free comprehensive
dental treatment, including prosthetics. There is also a program to provide
training to help parents and professionals caring for developmentally disable
persons to provide appropriate oral hygiene.
Patient Advocate Foundation
700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 200, Newport News, VA 23606, Fax: (757)
873-8999, Toll-free: (800) 532-5274, E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.patientadvocate.org
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit
organization which provides professional case management services to Americans
with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses. PAF case managers serve
as active liaisons between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors
to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters as they relate to their
diagnosis also assisted by doctors and healthcare attorneys. Patient Advocate
Foundation seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access
to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability. Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief Program
http://www.copays.org/
866-512-3861
The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program provides financial assistance to patients who
meet certain qualifications to help them pay for the prescriptions and/or treatments
they need. This assistance lets patients who have chronic, life threatening and/or
debilitating illnesses afford the out-of-pocket costs for these items that their
insurance companies require.
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc.
18 Timberline Drive, Farmington, CT 06032, Telephone: (860) 674-1370, Fax:
(860) 674-1378, E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.advocacyforpatients.org
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. is a voluntary organization that
provides free information, advice and advocacy services to patients with chronic
illnesses in areas including health and disability insurance, Social Security
disability, employment discrimination, educational equity, and resource location.
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care
Health Resources and Services Administration
1-800-638-0742 or 1-800-492-0359 in Maryland
http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/
In 1946, Congress passed a law that gave hospitals, nursing homes and other
health facilities grants and loans for construction and modernization. In return,
they agreed to provide a reasonable volume of services to persons unable to pay
and to make their services available to all persons residing in the facility’s area.
The program stopped providing funds in 1997, but about 200 health care facilities
nationwide are still obligated to provide free or reduced-cost care.
1. Find the Hill-Burton obligated facility nearest you from the list of Hill-
Burton obligated facilities.
2. Go to the facility's admissions or business office and ask for a copy of the
Hill-Burton Individual Notice. The Individual Notice will tell you what
income level makes you eligible for free or reduced-cost care, what services
might be covered, and exactly where in the facility to apply.
3. Go to the office listed in the Individual Notice and say you want to apply for
Hill-Burton free or reduced-cost care. You may need to fill out a form.
4. Gather any other required documents (such as a pay stub to prove income
eligibility) and take or send them to the obligated facility.
5. If you are asked to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or some other financial
assistance program, you must do so.
6. When you return the completed application, ask for a Determination of
Eligibility. Check the Individual Notice to see how much time the facility
has before it must tell you whether or not you will receive free or reduced-
cost care.
RSDSA (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association):
"Finding a Free Clinic”
http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/out_work/free_clinics.html
RSDSA P.O. Box 502, Milford, CT 06460, Tel: 203.877.3790, Toll Free: 877.662.7737,
Fax: 203.882.8362
E-mail: [email protected]
If you need to see a doctor but cannot afford one, a free or low-cost clinic may be
able to help you. Keep in mind that all free clinics have eligibility rules for patients:
typically free clinics see only patients who have low income and who do not have
insurance for the treatment needed. Depending upon their eligibility rules, not all
clinics will be able to treat you. However, there may be some flexibility with the
eligibility rules, so even if you think you do not qualify it may still be worth calling
the clinic to ask about your situation. Sometimes the care at a free clinic is not
completely free; there may be a small charge, depending upon any income you
have. In addition, free clinics are not always able to provide care for complicated
conditions like CRPS, but they still may be of at least some assistance.
Oley Foundation
214 Hun Memorial MC-28, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208-3478
Telephone: (518) 262-5079, Fax: (518) 262-5528, Toll-free: (800) 776-6539, E-
mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.oley.org
The Oley Foundation is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to donating
tube-feeding supplies, providing educational and emotional support, outreach
activities, and clinical outcome information for individuals who depend on home
intravenous (parenteral) and tube (enteral) nutrition, their families, professionals,
and others. Individuals who depend on such nutrition include those who cannot
receive enough nutrients from the food they eat because of severe gastrointestinal
disorders that may impair their swallowing or intestinal absorption. The
foundation facilitates a national network of regional volunteers who provide
emotional support and outreach at the local level. Comprised of individuals who
are themselves users of home nutrition and their family members, the network
offers services ranging from telephone support and hospital visitation to lectures
and self-help get-togethers. The Oley Foundation also sponsors yearly conferences
that bring together home nutrition users with experts in the field. Educational
materials produced by the Oley Foundation include brochures, audio-visual aids,
and information about travel, swimming, and other topics.
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
MN012-S286, PO BOX 41, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0041, (952) 992-4459
http://www.uhccf.org/
The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity
dedicated to facilitating access to medical-related services that have the potential
to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life of the
child and that are not fully covered by the available commercial health benefit
plan. This “support” is in the form of a medical grant to be used for medical
services not covered or not completely covered by commercial health benefit plans.
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Healing The Children Northeast, Inc.:
PO Box 129, 219 Kent Road, New Milford, CT 06776 Telephone: (860) 355-1828
Fax: (860) 350-6634 E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.htcne.org
Healing The Children Northeast, Inc., (HTCNE) is an international, voluntary
organization dedicated to providing medical and surgical treatment to children
from impoverished backgrounds. Established in 1985 and currently consisting of
approximately 2,000 members and 14 chapters, HTCNE assembles volunteer teams
of medical and surgical health professionals to travel to host countries where
children and young adults are treated free of charge. HTCNE's "Medical Missions
Abroad" program serves over 3,000 children annually and provides over three
million dollars in donated services. Healing The Children Northeast is committed
to expanding the Medical Missions Abroad program to meet the increasing needs of
children worldwide. HTCNE provides referrals to appropriate healthcare
agencies, maintains a database, and offers a variety of materials including
brochures, pamphlets, booklets, reports, Spanish language materials, videos, and a
quarterly newsletter entitled "Healing."
Freeclinics.us
1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone 703-647-7427, Fax 866-
875-3827, Email [email protected], http://www.freeclinics.us/
The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3)
organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the more
than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.
National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc.
44 Merrimon Avenue, Ashville, NC 28801, Telephone: (828) 253-1188, Fax: (828)
253-8082
Toll-free: (800) 542-9730, E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.nahhh.org
The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses (HHH), Inc., is a not-for-
profit organization that promotes and assists other not-for-profit programs
providing lodging and supportive services in a caring environment for families
receiving medical care away from home. The association provides services and
technical assistance to establishing and developing Hospital Hospitality Houses.
Membership is available to hospitals, groups, and individuals interested in
developing a program in their area, as well as to organizations supporting the
goals of the association. Membership offers participation in an annual national
conference designed for networking and education; a national referral directory
listing Hospital Hospitality Houses and services; consultation services to newly
developing programs; a resource center and clearinghouse to aid HHH programs,
staff, and boards; and a newsletter and other publications.
Hospitality Homes
20 Overland St., Suite 204, Boston, MA 02215 Telephone: (617) 482-4338, Fax:
(617) 582-7980, Toll-free: (888) 595-4678 E-mail: [email protected], Website:
http://www.hosp.org
Hospitality Homes is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization that provides cost-
free temporary housing in volunteer host homes for the families and friends of
patients – as well as, when needed, the patients themselves – traveling to Boston for
medical care. Hospitality Homes serves all families, regardless of income,
nationality, or the patient’s age, diagnosis, or treatment facility.
Travelers Aid International
1612 K St., NW, Suite 206, Washington, DC 20006, 202-546-1127,
http://www.travelersaid.org/
Travelers Aid International is the association for Travelers Aid agencies and
programs in the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, and Australia.
Travelers Aid served more than 6.5 million people last year in forty-eight
communities, and at thirty-six transportation centers (airports, bus and train
stations). Travelers Aid also provided casework services to 200,000 (including
homeless persons, and individuals and families in crisis). Each member of the
Network is independently managed and provides programs and services that meet
the needs of its community.
Mercy Medical Airlift (MMA) For more information, contact the National Patient Travel Helpline (Mercy Medical Airlift) 4620 Haygood Road, Suite 1, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Telephone: (757) 318-9174, Fax: (757) 318-9107, Toll-free: (800) 296-1217, E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.PatientTravel.org
The charity that operates the National Patient Travel Center, operates the National
Patient Travel Helpline. The Helpline is funded by many organizations dedicated
to facilitating charitable medical transportation on a national level. Founded in
1992, it now serves more than 35,000 patients a year. The mission and purpose of
the Helpline and the National Patient Travel Center are to ensure that no
financially needy patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation,
diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of air travel. Twenty-four hour service
is available. Referrals are based on an evaluation of the patient's medical
condition, type of transport required, and departure/destination locations. This
service is staffed by people who take the time to explain all known appropriate
options.
Cancer Financial Support
Cancer Care
800-813-4673
“Cancer Care Assist”
http://www.cancercare.org
CancerCare offers a free guide on financial assistance resources for people with
cancer. A Helping Hand: The Resource Guide for People with Cancer –
Financial Edition includes detailed listings of more than 400 national and regional
financial assistance organizations, and helpful tips for patients on taking control of
their finances.
Lance Armstrong Foundation
http://www.livestrong.org
512-236-8820
The National Cancer Institute
800-422-6237
http://www.cancer.gov
Financial Assistance and Other Resources for People With Cancer
The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/COM/content/div_OH/COM_1_1x_2007_Road_to_
Recovery_Provides_Free_Transportation_for_Cancer_Patients.asp
1-800-227-2345, option # 1
Road to Recovery Provides Free Transportation for Cancer Patients. Cancer
patients receiving treatment at a nearby hospital or medical facility can get free
transportation to and from their treatment site. The American Cancer Society’s
Road to Recovery program is a free service for cancer patients who lack
transportation.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) http://www.cancerfac.org/
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a coalition of organizations
that help cancer patients manage their financial challenges by educating them
about existing resources. Patients or health care providers can search the CFAC
database for organizations that help with specific cancer diagnoses or that provide
a specific type of assistance or need. CFAC is a coalition of organizations and
cannot respond to individual requests for financial assistance via e-mail or
telephone.
Additional Resources:
Member Organizations
http://www.cancerfac.org/members.php
Cancer Legal Resource Center Address: 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, Phone: 213-736-1455, Toll
Free: 1-866-843-2572, http://www.CancerLegalResourceCenter.org, E-mail:
The Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) is a joint program of the Disability
Rights Legal Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and Loyola Law School,
Los Angeles. The CLRC provides free and confidential information and resources
on cancer-related legal issues to people with cancer, their families, friends,
employers, health care professionals, and others coping with cancer. The CLRC
has a national toll-free line where callers can receive information about relevant
laws and resources for their particular situation. The CLRC volunteer panel of
attorneys and other professionals provides more in-depth information and counsel
to CLRC callers. Extensive resources are available on a broad range of cancer-
related legal issues, including health insurance, employment,government benefits,
estate planning, advance health care directives, family law, and consumer
assistance. CLRC provides services in Spanish and has a bilingual staff who are
able to assist people on the toll-free line. Some publications are also available in
Spanish.
National Association of Attorneys General 8th Floor 2030 M Street, NW. Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-326-6000
http://www.naag.org, http://www.naag.org/attorneys_general.php
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) assists Attorneys General
in the delivery of high quality legal services to the states and territorial
jurisdictions. NAAG’s members are the Attorneys General of the 50 states and the
District of Columbia and the chief legal officers of the
Commonwealths of Puerto Rico (Secretary of Justice) and the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The
Attorneys General provide consumer protection information and advice and track
complaints filed against charitable organizations or other businesses. A consumer
complaint may not be filed with NAAG but should be filed with the Attorney
General's office in which the problem has occurred. Additional Resources:
Contact Information for State Attorneys General
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR DENTAL CARE:
National Foundation of Dentistry For the Handicapped
1800 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202, Telephone: (303) 534-5360, Fax: (303)
534-5290, E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.nfdh.org
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH) is a national charitable
organization solely dedicated to meeting the needs of citizens with physical, medical, and
mental disabilities by providing dental care to disabled and aged people who cannot
afford treatment and are not eligible for public aid. Our country's standard of dental
care is one of the highest in the world, yet those Americans most desperately in need
often go untreated. They may be children or adults who are mentally or physically
disabled. They suffer from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, mental illness, and many
other disabilities. The foundation was established in 1974 and is an affiliate of the
American Dental Association and state and local dental associations. Disabled, elderly,
and mentally compromised patients are linked with dentists in their communities to
receive free comprehensive dental treatment, including prosthetics. There is also a
program to provide training to help parents and professionals caring for developmentally
disable persons to provide appropriate oral hygiene.
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